Summer vacation season is right around the corner and we want to help you make the most of it. We know that whether you’re planning an inexpensive weekend getaway or an extravagant trip of a lifetime, you want to get the best value for what you spend. After all, who doesn’t like to spend less and get more? With that in mind, the Covington staff have contributed 27 of their favorite money-saving vacation tips for your summer travels.

Trip Planning:

1) Book with a travel agent. Recent research by the American Society of Travel Agents showed that agents save consumers an average of $452 per trip. – Josée Covington, Covington Travel Founder
2) Make a “wish list.” Come up with a range of travel dates and a list of what matters most to you. You can save money by planning travel around the activities, rather than a specific destination. – Kim Sonderman, Vacation Advisor
3) Be flexible. If you want to see three places and you hit an obstacle, consider reversing the itinerary. – Christi Ruddy, Certified Meeting Professional
4) Plan vacations at least six to nine months in advance to get the best rates. Prices on air, hotel, and cruise tend to go up as space fills. – Kim Sonderman, Vacation Advisor
5) Avoid holidays and peak travel seasons. – Kim Sonderman, Vacation Advisor

Before You Go:

6) Check the expiration date of your passport. Most countries require that you have six months validity beyond your intended dates of travel. Checking early will give you time to renew without expediting fees. – Stefanie Cox, Assistant Operations Manager
7) Pack light and carry on to save on those luggage fees! – Mike LeBlanc, (retired) Operations Manager, Charlottesville

Airfare:

8) AMEX 2-for-1 Business Class airfare is not always the best deal. We can often beat the AMEX offer by using the vast array of travel resources we have at our disposal. – Rosemary Hodges, Luxury Vacation Advisor

Specific Destinations:

9) Florida Theme Parks: The week after Thanksgiving or first week of December is one of the least traveled and thus least expensive. You pay less and have the benefit of not waiting in long lines. – Karen Kilyk, Luxury Vacation Advisor
10) Europe: Travel in the off-season (November through March) to get the best rates and the least amount of crowds. – Rhona Arenstein, Vacation Advisor
11) Europe: Don’t assume rail travel is the most cost effective. A profusion of low-cost air carriers have very competitive pricing, plus you save hours getting from place to place. – Rosemary Hodges, Luxury Travel Advisor
12) London: The London Pass with the Oyster Travel Card is a great value! Also Heathrow Express is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to get from the airport into the city. – Dee Dee White, Meetings Professional
13) Atlanta: Get the Atlanta CityPASS for admission to some of the city’s best attractions like the Zoo, the Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola. Many other cities have similar passes that are a great value for sightseeing. – Holly Foster, (retired) Accounting
14) Use bank ATM machines to get foreign currency. They give the best exchange rate and they’re super convenient. Just make sure your card doesn’t have international usage fees. – Doug Floyd, Vacation Advisor

Dining:

15) Buy lunch from a grocery store. I like to get local wine, cheese, bread, and olives then find a spot along the river or in a park for a great lunch. – Karen Kilyk, Luxury Vacation Advisor
16) Seek out restaurants off the beaten path to save money and find more authentic local food. – Doug Floyd, Vacation Advisor
17) Pack snacks like protein bars, trail mix or instant oatmeal to avoid expensive hotel breakfasts and have a handy pick-me-up during a full day of sightseeing. – Tracy Carr, (retired) Vacation Advisor

Hotels:

18) Book in advance. Some of the smaller, unique, less expensive hotels are often the first to fill. – Doug Floyd, Vacation Advisor
19) Don’t confuse cost with value. Hotels offer a variety of rates with each one including different benefits. The difference in cost might be hundreds per night just to include breakfast, so understanding and comparing the amenities is important. – Rosemary Hodges, Luxury Vacation Advisor
20) Stay in an all-inclusive resort to get more for your dollar, especially for families. With food and drink included, kids clubs, and on-site entertainment, there’s no need to constantly open your wallet. – Beverly McLean, Marketing Director

Ground Transportation:

21) Adhere to the 24-hour rental day. The clock starts at the time of pick up and extra hours over 24-hour increments mean extra money, so plan your pick up and drop off times accordingly. – Brenda Martin, Corporate Travel Agent
22) Research local transport before you arrive. Using local bus, subway or trams are often faster and less expensive than a taxi, car rental or shuttles. – Dominic Bradley, Corporate Account Manager
23) Consider private transfers on arrival. In some locations, it may make sense to do a private transfer on arrival, but not on departure. When you arrive you are tired and don’t yet know your way around, but on departure, you are an old pro. – Karen Kilyk, Luxury Vacation Advisor

Sightseeing:

24) Take a tour. Whether it’s a multi-day, fully escorted tour or simply a day tour in a city, tours add value and depth to your travel experience. You’ll learn incredible facts and interesting stories from professional guides that you probably would not find on your own (no matter how many travel guides you buy!) – Jean Riekers, Vacation Advisor
25) Take a private tour. They save time and add value by taking you right to the heart of what you went there to see. Private tours are especially good for multigenerational families, couples traveling together, and other small groups. – Dale Fuller, (retired) Vacation Advisor
26) Look beyond the standard shore excursions offered by the cruise line. A private shore excursion is customized to your own interests, you aren’t herded along with 40 other people, and it is often less expensive. – Rosemary Hodges, Luxury Vacation Advisor
27) Walkie-talkies work well on a cruise and also when exploring cities. Save on cell phone charges for calls, texting, and possibly limited access. – Valerie Ambrose, Vacation Advisor

For more money-saving vacation tips, contact Covington’s knowledgeable travel advisors!